Cloudy Crystal Ball
Over the past couple weeks, the stock market has been seesawing its way through the new economic information of the day. Today however, some welcomed data was released regarding unemployment. Data from the Labor Department showed that job losses were less than what was expected and the unemployment rate for July unexpectedly dropped. Economists initially expected the unemployment rate to be 9.6 for July, but it dropped to 9.4 as compared to 9.5 in June. Only time will tell if this will become a trend or is simply a fluke.
That being said, the collective outlook has slowly been looking up. The financial sector is slowly picking up, as AIG today posted its first profit since 2007. The auto industry shows signs of life (though artificial) from the sales tax rebate and the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System). The real estate market has also seen an uptick in sales for both new homes and existing homes as the inventory of houses fell in July. It may be a little too early to say that the recession bubble is deflating, but signs are pointing to a better tomorrow.
This and That
Semi-Annual Performance Reports went out this week. If you have not received yours or if you have any questions, please contact us and we can setup an appointment or an online meeting via GoToMeeting.
Many of our clients have been asking us about the multiple mailings of the same item that they have been receiving from TD Ameritrade. The SEC regulations state that they must mail these items to each account number. However, they have begun to household statements in one envelope. In order to do this, there is a form that needs to be completed and signed by the client. Sally Gradinjan will begin to mail this form out to our clients who have more than one account. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her at 913-897-2074.
Financial Concierge Services
Some of you may not know, we offer services that are not limited to investment management. We like to call it our Financial Concierge Services; here is a list of a few:
- New vehicles: We have helped a number of clients with finding and negotiating a price at or below dealer cost for their new vehicles. We have worked with quite a few of the KC area dealers and have a good rapport with many of them.
- Credit report: We recommend that everyone look at their credit report at least once a year. Checking your credit regularly is not only important if you need access to credit, but also to make sure that your credit history is accurate. Identity theft has been on the rise for a number of years and the only way to know that you’re safe is to make sure you know what’s on your credit. If you don’t know how to check your credit, we would be glad to assist. It’s simple and it’s free.
- College funding: Funding for college doesn’t have to end when your child leaves for school. What many people don’t know is that you can fund your child’s education while they’re in school and still be able to reap some tax benefits. If you’d like to know more, just let us know.
- Professional Round Table: In order to get your complete financial profile and to help ensure that your financial goals and objectives match with what you’ve already laid out, we work with all of your trusted professionals (CPAs, attorneys, insurance agents, lenders, realtors, etc). We want to make sure that we’re all on the same page and work towards a common goal.
Events Update
“7 Do’s and Don’ts to Cope with a Layoff”
Going through a layoff? Considering a change?
Debra Kunz, MBA, CSLP is donating the “7 Do’s and Don’ts to Cope with a Layoff” class throughout the community. The next session is at the request of the Trinity Lutheran Church Job Club. Monday, August 17, 6:30pm -7:30pm, 5601 W 62nd St, Mission, KS 66202. FREE to attend. The information is helpful for people who are already in a transition or are thinking about making a change. Please RSVP to Debra or Sally, 913-897-2074.
http://iia-kc.com/blog/events/august-17-7-dos-and-donts-to-cope-with-a-layoff/
Quotes
“Sometimes the littlest things in life are the hardest to take. You can sit on a mountain more comfortably than on a tack.”
Author Unknown
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
African Proverb
“If you want to be happy, be.”
Leo Tolstoy – writer
Toan Nguyen (pronounced Tawn Win)
Director of Operations
Integrity Investment Advisors, LLC
12721 Metcalf Ave., #202
Overland Park, KS 66213
tnguyen@iia-kc.com
913-897-2074
The information listed in this commentary is a compilation of various publicly available sources and is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation or solicitation of any particular investment or strategy. A risk of loss is involved with investments in the stock and bond markets.
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